Causing Havoc For Garland Schools

If you are a teacher or have a child in school, you are probably aware that yesterday was a very stressful day for 5th graders across the state of Texas. This is the day that was scheduled for the Math TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) Test. The TAKS Test is a standardized test to determine if students are preforming under the education standards for the State of Texas. Testing comes in reading, writing, math, science and social studies.

I have never been a big supporter of standardized testing. It is considered to many that teachers are “teaching the test” skills in order for their classes to pass the test. More or less, the thought is that teachers are teaching the necessary skills in order for the students to pass instead of just teaching the regular curriculum.

In addition to the regular stress of the TAKS Test, yesterday two Garland Schools received suspicious letters in the mail. There was a white powdery substance that was thought could be anthrax. Both schools were evacuated as well as all Garland Schools suspending mail service. Garland ISD was able to contact TEA (Texas Education Agency) and was able to postpone TAKS testing at the two schools.

Did this prank have anything to do with the TAKS testing? The FBI is now investigating the issue. That old saying is true, “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…” I think the two issues could definitely be connected. Shame on whoever did this. Although I am not a fan of TAKS, this is despicable behavior and should be punished.

Comments

[…] My kids school has “outlawed” teachers from friending parents on Facebook because of stupid parents that cannot act like adults. I think it is ridiculous. I used to feel a sense of comfort being friends with teachers. With all the smartphones, a teacher could get instant contact with me either by calling or text. No need to wait for email or even stop to look up my number in case of an emergency. And emergencies DO happen at school! From sick kids, hurt kids, hurt feelings, to serious issues. […]